20 best shade plants for containers a container garden is the ultimate accessory for your porch, patio, or doorstep. these plants will keep you in style, even in the shade. The attractive plants for window boxes in shade best plants for shade container gardening can inspire you and guide you in updating your patio or garden space if it is outdated.. Container gardening in the shade can be a bit tricky. this list of blue plants for containers in the shade will have the pots on your patio, walkway or porch looking beautiful all summer long..